Fastening



Feb. 29, 1944. o. VATET 2,342,709

FASTENING Filed June 25, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 29, 1944.

O. VATET FASTENING Filed June 25, '1943 2 Sheets-$ht 2 Patented Feb. 29, 1944 (Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as

amended April 30, 1928; 370 0. G. 757) a 22 Claims.

The invention herein described may be manufactured and used by orfor the Government of the United States for governmental purposes without the payment to me of any royalty thereon in accordance with, the provisions of theact of April 30, 1928 (ch. 460, 45 Stat. L. 467) This invention relates to fastening devices and has for its object to'provlde certain improvements over the construction disclosed in my United States Patent No. 2,283,243, granted to me on May 19, 1942.

Specifically the invention relates to, the class of fastenings known as nails, and the improvements hereinafter described and claimed are for the P rpose of particularly adapting the nail for use in materials of low nail-holding characteristics. though it may be employed to great advantage as a general purpose nail for material and woods of high or normal nail-holding characteristics, particularly where permanent fastenings are desirable and the likelihood of early removal of the nails is remote. While fasteningsbonstructed in accordance with this invention may be withdrawn by claw hammers or other conventional nail drawing implements, their holding power is much greater than nails of ordinary form, regardless of the nail-holding characteristics of the material into which they are driven.

Referring to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of my invention:

Fig. 1 is a. front elevation of a nail constructed in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on I line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of a nail of modified construction;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the same;

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 66 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a front elevation of a nail of another modified construction;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the same;

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a front elevation of a nail of still another modified construction;

Fig. 11 is a view partly in side elevation and partly in longitudinal section of the nail shown in Fig. 10;

of the nails shown in Figs. 1 to 12, but with chisel points:

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary side elevation of the same; I I

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the positions which the nails illustrated in Figs. 1 to 12 when equipped with chisel points are caused to assume when the nail members diverge within the material upon being completely driven therein; and

Fig. 16 is a similar view illustrating the twisted positions which the two bifurcated members of the nails are caused to assume when provided.

.with the sharp double bevelled points shown in Figs. 1 to 12,within the material upon being completely driven therein;

Fig. 17 is a front elevation of a nail of still another modified construction;

Fig. 18 is a side elevation of the same; and

Fig. 19 is a view illustrating the position'which the nails illustrated in Figs. 1'? and 18 are caused to assume when the nail members diverge within the material upon being completely driven therein.

Like numerals of reference indicate the same parts throughout the several figures, in which:

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional view taken on I I indicates the nail having a head 2 and shank or body 3. The entering end or point of the shank 3 is in all instances bifurcated to provide two points 4 and 5. These points 4 and 5 preferably are formed by bevels 6 and I diverging from a point 8 adjacent the end of the shank 3.

In addition to these divergent bevels 6 and I, the bifurcated points 4 and 5 may be each provided with oppositely inclined bevels 9 and III in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the firstmentioned bevels 6 and I. As a result of this double bevelling, the points 4 and 5 are sharp like the points of conventional staples or tacks.

While such sharp points are preferred for a purpose to be presently described, the last-mentioned oppositely inclined bevels 9 and l 0 may be omitted so that chiselgpoints may result as shown in Figs. 13 and 14.

In Figs. 1 to 9 the nail shank 3 is preferably provided with opposed longitudinal grooves ll which are shallow at their starting points l2 adjacent the head 2 and progressively deepen toward the bifurcated points of the nail. These grooves I I divide the shank Sinto two portions or members l3 connected together by a web M of metal progressively increasing in thickness from the bifurcated ends of the nail to the points 12 of termination of the longitudinal grooves ll adjacent the head 2. The depth of the grooves II, and consequently the thickness of the web H at the point 8 at which the bifurcated points start to diverge is such that the web I4 is readily frangible at the point 8 when subjected to relatively slight transverse tension at that point, while the progressive thickening of the web H results in progressively stiffening the shank 3 from the bifurcated points toward the head 2 of the nail in such manner as to enable the shank 3 to resist bending or deformation as the resistance to its entrance into wood or other material progressively increases.

The progressively decreasing frangibility of the web H from the bifurcated points toward the head 2 of the nail, and the progressive stiffening of the shank 3 from the bifurcated points toward the head 2 of the nail is also accomplished by all of the modified constructions shown in the drawings. In Figs. 10 to 12 the opposed longitudinal grooves are of uniform depths throughout their lengths, but since a plurality of triangular openings I! having their apexes lying toward the head of the nail are stamped transversely through the shank of the nail, there results a series of short thin frangible webs I4 connecting together the two sections I3 of the shank 3. In this embodiment the desired result is accomplished by progressively increasing the distance between the triangular openings 15 from the bifurcated points toward the head of the nail and thus increasing the lengths of the webs i4 progressively toward the head of the nail, thus progressively increasing the stiffness of the shank 3 toward the head ofthe nail.

In Fig. 1, there is stamped through the nail closely adjacent to the point 8 of divergence of the bifurcated points, a triangular shaped opening I having its apex lying toward the head of the nail and its base facing the bifurcated points. Upon the entrance of the bifurcated points into wood or other material and the breaking of the thin web under this opening IS, the transverse surface of the base of this triangular opening I8 is itself bifurcated to form a barb l1 adjacent eachof the bifurcated points 4 and 5. Likewise, in Fig. 10, a plurality of barbs I1 is formed by the breaking of the webs l4 successively as the nail is progressed into its final operative position.

In Fig. 4, the web l4 may be perforated by a series of transverse holes I 8,the distances between which may be progressively lengthened toward the head 2. This increases the frangibility of the web H and at the same time creates opposed serrated surfaces when th nail is in final operative position and increases the holding power of the nail.

In Fig. 7, the shank is supplied with no transverse openings, so that both the progressive frangibility of the web I! is less and the progressive rigidity of the shank I is greater in this modification.

In Figs. 17 and 18, a construction similar to that shown in Figs. 7 and 8 is illustrated, except that in the former the end portion of the nail below the point 8, which indicates the beginning of the frangible web I4, is bifurcated and terminates in two chisel points These chisel points lie in planes which are transverse to the plane of the frangible web l4, and are formed by providing the two members of the said bifurcated members with oppositely inclined bevelled portions 8' and I.

In operation, when the bifurcated points are chisel points as shown in Figs. 18 and 14, the divergent bevelled surface l and 1 of the bifurcated points start to meet resistance as soon as they enter the wood or material into which they are driven. In material of low nail-holding characteristics. this resistance is low and in order that the said bifurcated points may properly diverge or bend outwardly a intended, the web H at the point 8 is sufficiently thin and frangible as to part under the influence of a relatively light transverse tension localized at the point 8. As, however, the nail progresses into the material, the resistance to its entrance increases progressively while the rigidity of the shank to resist bending or deformation also increases progressively toward the head of the nail. Consequently, as the nail reaches its final operative position and is wholly embedded in the material up to its head, the entire web H has been parted and the two portions ll of the shank 3 have been bent or curved outwardly into position indicated in Fig. 15. I

when, however, the bifurcated points are provided with the oppositely inclined bevelled faces I and ID in addition to the diverging bevelled faces 6 and I, a somewhat different result is accomplished. In this instance, the material into which the nail is driven offers resistance to the double bevelled points in two directions, which causes the points to spread and diverge in the manner just described and at the same time to twist out of a common plane and thus follow a tortuous path in the material as indicated in Fig. 16. If desired the heads of such nails may be provided with a screw-driver slot 2' for straightening out this twist by use of a screwdriver should it be desired to withdraw the nail by a claw hammer or nail drawing implement. When the nail is constructed in accordance with Figs. 17 and 18, the resistance to the entrance of the oppositely bevelled points 5' in wood or other material does not subject the frangible web H to tension stress as in the other described embodiments, but subjects the frangible Web to a shearing stress which is progressively resisted as the metal of the web I is progressively parted as the nail members are caused to progressively diverge within the wood or other material, and finally assume the positions illustrated in Fig. 19.

Having thus described the invention, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the examples shown in the drawing and described herein, as I consider myself clearly entitled to all changes, and modifications as fall within the limit and scope of the appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. A fastening device adapted to be driven, including a shank and a head, the shank being provided with opposed longitudinal grooves, the grooves starting adjacent the head and progressively increasing in depth toward the entrance end of the fastening, said entrance end of the fastening terminating in bifurcated points having bevelled faces diverging from the ends of the opposed longitudinal grooves wherein the said opposed longitudinal grooves progressively increasing in depth toward the said bifurcated points result in a thin frangible web adjacent the aaeavoo provided with divergent bifurcated points and provided with opposed longitudinal Irooves starting adjacent the head and terminating at the point of divergence of the bifurcated points, the said opposed longitudinal grooves progressively increasing in depth from adjacent the head toward the said divergent bifurcated points, thereby forming a thin frangible web at the point of divergence of the bifurcated points which progressively increases in thickness toward the head of the fastening and imparting progressively increasing rigidity to the shank from the bifurcated points toward the head of the fastening, the said divergent bifurcated points being also provided with oppositely bevelled faces formed on planes perpendicular to the planes of the divergent faces of the bifurcated points.

3. A fastening device of the character described according claim 1, in which a triangular shaped opening having its apex lying toward the head is cut through the shank and web adjacent the point of divergence of the said bifurcated points.

4. A fastening device of the character described according to claim 2, in which a triangular shaped opening having its apex lying toward the head is cut through the shank and web adjacent the point of divergence of the said bifurcated points.

5. A fastening device of the character described according to claim 1, in which a plurality of perforations are cut through the shank and web.

6. A fastening device of the character described according to claim 2, in which a plurality of perforations are cut through the shank and web.

7. A fastening device of the character described, including a shank and a head, the shank being provided with divergent bifurcated points and provided with opposed longitudinal grooves starting adjacent'the head and terminating at the point of divergence of the bifurcated points to form a thin frangible web longitudinally of the shank, the shank being provided with a plurality of openings cut through the shank and web, the distances between the said openings increasing progressively from the bifurcated points toward the head, whereby the .frangibility of the web is progressively decreased from the bifurcated points toward the head, and the rigidity of the shank is progressively increased from the bifurcated points toward the head.

8. A fastening device of the character described according to claim '7, in which the bifurcated points are provided with oppositely inclined faces on planes perpendicular to the divergent faces of the bifurcated points.

9. A fastening device of the character described according to claim 1, in which an opening is cut through theshank and web adjacent the point of divergence of the bifurcated points.

fastening and imparting progressively increasing rigidity to the shank from the bifurcated points toward the head of the fastening.

12. A fastening device adapted towbe driven, including a shank and a head, th cer being provided with divergent bifurcate fpoints and provided with a longitudinal groove starting adjacent the head and terminating at the point of divergence of the bifurcated points, the said longitudinal groove progressively increasing in depth from adjacent the head toward the said divergent bifurcated points, thereby forming thin frangible web at the point of divergence of the bifurcated points which progressively increases in thickness toward the head of the fastening and imparting progressively increasing rigidity, to the shank from the bifurcated points toward the head of the fastening, the said divergent bifurcated points being also provided with oppositely bevelled faces formed on planes perpendicular to the planes of the divergent faces of the bifurcated points.

13. A fastening device of the character described according to claim 11, in which, a triangular shaped opening having its apex lying toward the head is cut through the shank and web adjacent the point of divergence of the said hifurcated points.

14. A fastening device of the character described according to claim 12, in which a triangular shaped opening having its apex lying toward the head is cut through the shank and web adjacent the point of divergence of the said bifurcated points.

15. A fastening device of the character described accordlng to claim 11, in whicha plurality of perforations are cut through the shank and web. I

16. A fastening device of the character described according to claim 12, in which a plurality of perforations are cut through the shank and web.

17. A fastening device of the character described, including a shank and a head, the shank being provided with divergent bifurcated points and provided with a longitudinal groove starting adjacent the head and terminating at the point 10. A fastening device of the character de- I scribed according to claim 2, in which an opening is cut through the shank and web adjacent the point of divergence of the bifurcated points.

11. A fastening device adapted to be driven, including a shank and a head, the shank being provided with a longitudinal groove, the groove starting adjacent the head and progressively increasing in depth toward the entrance end of the fastening, said entrance end of the fastening terminating in bifurcated points having bevelled faces diverging from the ends of the longitudinal groove whereby the said longitudinal groove, progressively increasing in depth toward the said bifurcated points, results in a thin frangible web adjacent the bifurcated points which progressively increases in thickness toward the head of the of divergence of the bifurcated points to form a thin frangible web longitudinally of the shank, the shank being provided with a plurality of openings cut through the shank and web, the distances between the said openings increasing proscribed according to claim ll, in which an open- A ing is cut through the shank and web adjacent the point of divergence of the bifurcated points,-

20. A fastening device of the character described according to claim 12, in which an opening is cut through the shank and web adjacent the point of divergence of the bifurcated points.

21. A fastening device adapted to be driven, including a shank and a head, the shank being provided with bifurcated points and provided with opposed longitudinal grooves starting adjacent the head and terminating at the commencement of the bifurcated points, the said opposed longitudinal grooves progressively increasing in depth from adjacent the head toward the said bifurcated points, thereby forming a thin frangible web at the commencement of the bifurcated points which progressively increases in thickness toward the head of the fastening and imparting progressively increasing rigidity to the shank from the bifurcated points toward the head of the fastening, the said divergent bifurcated points being provided with oppositely bevelled faces which lie in planes which are transverse to the plane of the frangible web.

22. A fastening device adapted to be driven, including a shank and a head, the shank being provided with bifurcated points and provided with assume a longitudinal groove starting adjacent the head and terminating at the commencement of the bifurcated points. the said longitudinal groove progressively increasing in depth from adjacent the head toward the said bifurcated points, thereby forming a thin frangible web at the commencement of the bifurcated points which progessively increases in thickness toward the head oi the fastening and imparting progressively increasing rigidity to the shank from the bifurcated points toward the head of the fastening, the said divergent bifurcated points being provided with oppositely bevelled faces which lie in planes which are transverse to the plane of the frangible web.

OSCAR VATET. 

